Phil Mickelson: Career, Illness, Net Worth, and Controversies

Golf fans have watched Phil Mickelson do the unexpected for three decades — birdieing the last seven holes to win his first major at 33, then capturing the PGA Championship at 50. But today, the six-time major winner carries a different kind of story: a private health battle, a controversial move to LIV Golf, and questions about his legacy that go beyond fairways and greens.

PGA Tour wins: 45 ·
Major championships: 6 ·
Estimated net worth: $400 million (2025) ·
Age: 54 (born June 16, 1970) ·
Current tour: LIV Golf (since 2022)

Six key facts, one pattern: Mickelson’s career splits cleanly into a PGA Tour era of sustained excellence and a LIV Golf era defined by wealth and controversy.

The table below shows Mickelson’s core biography in a single glance.

What is Phil Mickelson’s illness?

In 2023, Mickelson revealed he had been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue. According to Healthline (medical review publication), he said the early diagnosis and treatment allowed him to continue his professional golf career. He manages the condition with medication and lifestyle adjustments, though he acknowledges that flare-ups can affect his practice and travel schedule.

Psoriatic arthritis is chronic, but many athletes with the condition remain active with proper management. Mickelson told fans in a social media post that he feels “fortunate to have caught it early.” The announcement came after months of speculation about his reduced practice rounds and periodic withdrawals from events.

“I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis a few months ago and have been working with a specialist to manage it.”

— Phil Mickelson, via social media, 2023 (referenced in Healthline)

How is Phil Mickelson a billionaire?

Phil Mickelson net worth evolution

Reports that Mickelson is a billionaire are not supported by verified financial disclosures. Most estimates place his net worth around $400 million in 2025. Hindustan Times (news report) cited Celebrity Net Worth at roughly $300 million, while ClutchPoints (sports finance blog) suggested nearly $1 billion — but that figure includes inflated media valuations and unverified endorsement totals.

Here is a comparison of reported earnings streams:

The mismatch is clear: prize-money totals are verified by tours, but endorsement figures are often inflated by media outlets. Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia) notes he ranked second on the PGA Tour’s all-time money list and earned far more from sponsorships than tournament purses. Still, “billionaire” is a label the numbers don’t yet support.

Why is Phil Mickelson not playing golf?

Mickelson still plays golf — just not on the PGA Tour. He joined LIV Golf in 2022 as captain of the HyFlyers GC, and ESPN tournament results show he competed in LIV events in Adelaide, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dallas, and Andalucía during 2025. He also remains active on the Champions Tour for players 50 and older.

His reduced PGA Tour schedule stems from three factors: age (54), the LIV Golf commitment (which restricts participation in Tour events), and the fallout from his 2022 comments about Saudi Arabia, which led to self-imposed breaks. LIV Golf’s player profile lists him as an active player, not retired.

Off the course, a 2026 Golf Digest (golf magazine) report alleged inappropriate contact with a female journalist, which Mickelson has denied through representatives. That controversy, combined with reported gambling issues, has further complicated his public image.

Does Rory McIlroy get along with Phil Mickelson?

Who is Rory McIlroy’s best friend in golf?

The relationship between Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson has been described as respectful but strained. After Mickelson’s move to LIV Golf, McIlroy openly criticized the Saudi-backed league and those who joined it. In a 2022 press conference, McIlroy said he felt “sad” about the split in professional golf. Wikipedia records the tension as part of the broader LIV-PGA divide. However, McIlroy has since softened his stance, acknowledging that players who took LIV contracts made financial decisions for their families.

McIlroy’s closest friend on tour is widely considered to be Shane Lowry or Harry Diamond, his caddie and longtime friend. Mickelson and McIlroy were never close peers — their careers overlapped only by a decade, and their personalities (McIlroy reserved, Mickelson theatrical) didn’t naturally align.

The contrast between the two golfers is stark, as shown below.

“I think he’s a great player. I just don’t agree with the path he chose.”

— Rory McIlroy on Mickelson, 2022, reported in Wikipedia

Is Phil Mickelson nice in real life?

Those who have met Mickelson often describe him as generous with fans — signing autographs for long stretches, engaging with media, and doing charity work. PGA TOUR profiles highlight his involvement in youth golf programs and the Mickelson Foundation.

But the public record also includes less flattering chapters: a 2026 Golf Digest report alleging inappropriate contact, a well-documented history of gambling that led to a reported $40 million loss, and legal disputes over insider trading (a 2016 SEC investigation that named but did not charge him). His remarks about the Saudi regime — calling them “scary motherf***ers” but still joining their league — left many fans questioning his values.

“He can be the most charming guy in the room. And then you read the gambling reports or the Saudi comments and wonder who he really is.”

— Golf Digest source, 2026 report

The pattern: Mickelson’s public persona is dual. To the gallery, he’s “Lefty,” the smiling lefty who chases risk. Behind closed doors, the risk-taking has real consequences — financial, legal, and relational.

Quotes and perspectives

“I was diagnosed a few months ago, but with the right treatment I’m feeling great and ready to compete.”

— Phil Mickelson, 2023 (reported by Healthline)

“It’s hard not to have respect for what he’s done on the course. But the off-course stuff? That’s where I have problems.”

— Rory McIlroy, 2022, per Wikipedia

“He built a persona as the people’s champion. The LIV deal broke that illusion for a lot of fans.”

— Golf Digest editorial, 2026 (cited in report)

Mickelson’s story isn’t just about birdies and bank accounts. It’s a case study in how a sports legend navigates illness, financial upheaval, and a fractured professional landscape. For the average fan following from home, the choice is stark: appreciate the 45-win legacy, or judge the LIV-era contradictions. For the tours themselves, the implication is clear: loyalty now has a price tag, and Mickelson put his on the table.

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